Fixtures

Key Players

Key Players

Andrew Fifita – The big Cronulla Sharks prop has had a breakthrough season at club and representative level. His endless energy charging the ball through the middle earned him selection for New South Wales this year, and now the Kangaroos. If uncontained, Fifita will pick up easy metres for the Australians, and give the backline room to move.

Cooper Cronk – It came as a surprise to some to see Cronk selected as the NRL Dally M medallist in 2013 but the Melbourne Storm halfback has always been a clever football custodian. Noted for his hard work off the field, Cronk is always looking to improve and perform at all levels. Coming off a season where the Storm struggled in their last few matches, including two straight finals losses, expect the hard working Cronk to be fired up and keen to show his selection as the NRLs best player in 2013 was deserved.

Jarryd Hayne – The‘Hayne Plane’ spent a lot of 2013 grounded through injury, and the World Cup may be what is needed for Jarryd to take off again. After his amazing 2009 season, Hayne hasn’t quite reached the same heights, not helped by a struggling Parramatta club. Back in a side that should dominate most opposition, Hayne will have less pressure and more chances, and as a result will be able to find himself back towards his best.

Preview

The Australian side are always the favourites pre-tournament, but that brings with it the pressure to perform. The 2008 squad fell at the final hurdle with a poor final display that showed despite their experience, nerves can still get the better of the side. On paper, it is hard to see other sides troubling the Kangaroos. For most squads, you see areas to target, however the Australian side has a slick back line, controlling halves, and strong forwards. The number of options that exist for coach Tim Sheens means he can manage player workloads across the tournament while still fielding strong sides.

Prediction

It is hard to see the Australian side dropping a match this tournament. They will cruise past the group stages, and if they hold their nerve, will prove too good for any sides they face from there. Their biggest threat will be current World Cup holders New Zealand, however Australia are the best side in the tournament and the results should show.

Sam Dasey

SamDasey

Sam Dasey studied a Bachelor of Sports Media at UC, graduating at the end of 2013. He has undertaken internships with Canberra Times and Touch Football Australia, as well as a local radio station in Canberra.